President James Knox Polk

President James K. Polk

• 11th President of the United States

• Years of Presidency: 1845 – 1849

• Political Party: Democrat

Key Personal Details:

• Grew up of the Tennessee frontier, and developed the appropriate work ethic, resourcefulness and democratic ideals
• Member of the House of Representatives
• Friend of Andrew Jackson, believed in Jeffersonian principles
• His marriage to Sarah Childress helped to further his political career

Major events, changes, issues, and decisions:

• Won the 1844 presidentail election against Henry Clay by promising to annex Texas; which he did
• During his presidency America won the Mexican-American War
• He added a lot of territory to the United States; California and New Mexico
• Issued the first of U.S. postage stamps
• The acquisition of new land led to a large quarrel between the Northern and Southern states over the expansion of slavery
• President Polk reduced taxes and also established an independent treasury that lasted for many years

Legacies and an argument:

• President Polk is probably one of the most notable U.S. presidents for setting the boundaries of the American West. He should be regarded as the nation's greatest president for expanding U.S. borders and leading the country to victory in the Mexican-American War.

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